Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is hoping a bright new era is beginning for the midlands club.

New owner Carson Yeung has promised McLeish a transfer kitty of up to £40million to spend in January, and was in the stands at Emirates Stadium as Blues went down 3-1 to Arsenal.

"Maybe people will inflate prices and we have to be careful, but we welcome it, because we need some fresh quality in the team," said McLeish.

"It is a challenge to our guys now."

Robin van Persie, Abou Diaby and Andrey Arshavin were on target for Arsenal with Lee Bowyer replying for the visitors.